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British Airways to upgrade 747 fleet

Flying on board a British Airways Boeing 747 for hours on end is set to become a more pleasant experience beginning late next summer. The British flag carrier announced plans to revamp eighteen jets in its

Flying on British Airways' Boeing 747s is about to become a more pleasant experience next year for many of the airline's customers who book a flight on the iconic jumbo jet.

The British carrier announced plans to overhaul 18 of its 747-400 jumbo jets, saying the move will bring the in-flight experience on the revamped aircraft in line with its long-haul fleet of new Airbus A380s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Perhaps the most noticeable change will be an upgraded flight entertainment system, powered by Panasonic's next-generation eX3 package. The new system includes larger screens, higher resolution pictures, and tablet-inspired touch-and-swipe capability. The airline also will significantly expand available content on its entertainment system, with "more than 130 movies and 400 TV programs," the airline says.

Seats also will get an upgrade, and this time it isn't only the business and first-class cabins that will receive the face lift. The airline will upgrade the seats for its economy and premium economy passengers, adding new covers and cushions along with USB outlets. Fliers in the carrier's premium economy cabins, dubbed World Traveller Plus, also will get a power outlet at every seat. Carpets and curtains will be replaced throughout the aircraft.

"We know that in-flight entertainment is really important to our customers — being able to relax and watch a film or listen to music helps customers to pass the time enjoyably — so by installing this state-of-the-art equipment we will be able to deliver even more programming on board," Richard D'Cruze, BA's in-flight entertainment and technology manager, says in a statement.